Off-road enthusiasts will find Gold Lake 4x4 Campground requires serious vehicle preparation, as multiple campers report damaged exhaust systems and bent rims from the rocky access route. High clearance and aggressive tires are essential for navigating what Jake R. calls the "gatekeeper" rock section that protects this backcountry destination in Plumas National Forest.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with sites filling quickly on summer weekends. Campers consistently mention the lakefront locations as prime spots, particularly sites 17-24 which offer direct water access. The terrain includes both forested areas with shade and open clearings near the shoreline. Samantha V. notes that "campgrounds are well maintained, clean and right next to the water" with ample shade and campfire opportunities.
Gold Lake supports motorized boats, kayaking, and fishing, with glass-calm conditions typically occurring at dawn and dusk. The surrounding Lakes Basin provides hiking trails that connect to other alpine lakes, while the Sierra Buttes offer elevated viewpoints for day trips. Cell service is nonexistent, creating a complete digital disconnect for visitors seeking to unplug.
Facilities remain minimal by design. Restrooms have been closed in recent seasons due to storm damage, though the Forest Service provides waste disposal bags at no charge. Campers must bring their own water or filter from the lake, as no potable water is available on-site. The mosquito population can be intense near water sources, particularly during summer evenings.
For those seeking easier access, nearby Gold Lake Campground provides similar lake access without the challenging approach road. The 4x4 route effectively limits crowds to serious off-road vehicles and motorcycles, maintaining the site's reputation as an escape from standard RV campgrounds throughout the June-to-October season.
Description
Overview
Gold Lake 4x4 campground in northeast Plumas County, CA lies at 6,400 feet in elevation within the Plumas National Forest. The mountains, forest and lake setting provide a picturesque landscape for relaxation, adventure and exploration. A popular location with access to the backcountry, visitors should carefully review what this facility provides. This campground is not a luxury destination and may not meet your comfort level. This is a rustic campground with no utilities, water, hookups, trash service, or restroom facilities. Campers must pack out all their sanitation and trash. Families may decide one of the other campgrounds nearby is better suited to meet their needs and expectations. Visitors staying at the 4x4 campground will be within the Lakes Basin Recreation Area that requires camping within developed campsites. For those seeking a more dispersed experience, campers must ensure they are well outside the boundaries of the recreation area. The Lakes Basin & Sierra Buttes Map illustrates where boundaries and forest roads are found. These maps are available at the USGS Store online or from Plumas National Forest Offices.
Recreation
Visitors often use this campground as a home base to enjoy water sports, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting and a host of other activities. The OHV access road continues beyond the campground and onto the adjacent Tahoe National Forest. From here, other roads lead north toward "A-Tree", LaPorte and Plumas Eureka State Park, southwest towards Downieville and Sierra City and south toward Packer Lake and Sardine Lakes. Make sure to take a suitable vehicle, a map, and extra food and water.
Facilities
A boulder strewn OHV road is the primary access to this campground. Experienced drivers that can self-extricate or make emergency repairs may be needed. Passenger or sport utility vehicles are not recommended.Alternatively, boat campers may access the campground from the boat launch facility on the east side of the lake. However, there are no boat facilities at the 4x4 campground. Boaters should be aware that strong, gusty afternoon winds are common and can hinder small watercraft.Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and bear locker for food storage. Our bears love your food, toothpaste and scented lip balm more than you do. If you don't want to share your supplies, we recommend you use the bear locker.The popularity of this facility combined with a broken, unserviceable restroom have resulted in resource damage and unhealthy, unsafe conditions. The dilapidated restrooms have been removed. In an effort to keep this campground open, the Forest Service has enacted some temporary measures until a cost effective, technological improvement of restroom facilities that can handle extreme environmental conditions is found.These measures include making the campground reservation only to allow more administrative control. All campers must now arrive with a plan that addresses the safe removal of all solid human waste. This is best accomplished when using Waste Alleviating Gel Bags (WAG bags). These are readily available online or at sporting goods outlets. We understand this is not an ideal situation, but we are asking the public's help in improving conditions at this campground.
Natural Features
As the Lakes Basin Recreation Area name implies, the region has many crystal clear alpine lakes to explore. Glacial carved granite peaks and ridges, sunrises and sunsets reflected in the waters over Gold Lake, the whisper of pines rustling in the wind or a glimpse of a shy doe will leave an indelible memory and entice you to return again and again. The region is rich in history that includes Native American use, gold discovery, westward migration, forestry, railroads, grazing, and agriculture. You may even find evidence of those that travelled here decades or centuries before you.
Nearby Attractions
Though in a remote location, Gold Lake 4X4 Campground is near several attractions worth visiting. Mills Peak Fire Lookout is manned during fire season and welcomes visitors. Mills Peak Trail, a premier mountain bike trail, descends from the lookout towards the community of Graeagle. Pan for gold and explore the hard rock mining history or attend one of the other interpretive activities at Plumas Eureka State Park. Try not to miss the spectacular views of and from the Sierra Buttes and its lookout. All aboard! Take a ride on the rails while checking out the Railroad Museum in Portola. The Reid Cattle Company can offer cowboys and cowgirls trail rides at the outlet of Gold Lake or from their Graeagle location.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Please be aware that there are currently no sanitation facilities at this campground. All campers must arrive at the campground with a plan that addresses the safe removal of all solid human waste. This is best accomplished by using Waste Alleviating Gel Bags (WAG bags), which are readily available online or at sporting goods outlets. We deeply appreciate the publics cooperation in maintaining health and safety conditions at this campground so all can enjoy their stay.Please also note that a campsite must be occupied the first night. If you do not arrive within 24 hours and do not notify the Forest Service, your reservation will be cancelled. This is to ensure campsites dont sit unoccupied while others could make camping reservations.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGold Lake 4x4 Campground is located in California
Directions
From Reno, NV, take US 395 north. At Halleluiah Junction go west 32 miles on Highway 70 to Blairsden. Take the Highway 89 turnoff south 3.5 miles to Gold Lake Highway. Proceed southwest on Gold Lake Highway, 9.1 miles to Gold Lake Campground Road. Follow the signs to the 4X4 staging area, the campground is approximately 2 miles further down the OHV road. From Hwy 80 (Truckee) take Highway 89 north 54 miles to Gold Lake Highway. Follow the Gold Lake Highway southwest 9.1 miles to the Gold Lake Campground Road. Follow the signs to the Gold Lake 4x4 staging area. The campground is about 2 miles further down the OHV road. Drivers can also reach this destination from Hwy 89 to Hwy 49 over Yuba Pass or from the Grass Valley/Nevada City area on Hwy 49. Call for more directions.
Address
There is no physical address for the campground, it is located off of Gold Lake Highway
CA
Coordinates
39.66898 N
120.66239 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
